IWSG Wednesday and Did You Know Thursday

  

The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

 

Twitter handle: @TheIWSG  

Hashtag: #IWSG 

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the July 1 posting of the IWSG are Rebecca Douglass, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Cathrina Constantine, and Jacqui Murray!

Thank you! 

 

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional! 
July 1 question - Is there anything you'd like to see changed, added, and/or rearranged about the book publishing industry?

Another good question.  I’d like to see other distributors set up programs like KU at Amazon.  It seems like it would be a benefit to both the distributors and the authors. I’ll be interested to see what other authors have to say.

 

June/July Reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.

 

THE GUEST CAT by Takashi Hiraide

This was a different read for me. It was amazingly well written. The words flowed with symmetry and beauty, but it was not an HEA read.  The ending left me feeling empty and disappointed. Due I think to cultural differences and the fact that I couldn't quite wrap my head around the philosophy of the book.

Available at Amazon 

 

PORT OF CALL by MK Alexander

This is the 5^th book in the steampunk sci fi Seven Sisters series.

Milo York and his loyal crew now face their greatest challenge of all. In Book 4, they saved the Lost Colony and are heading home, but what is days for them, in actuality is a thirty-year trip.  They haven’t aged but their friends, that are left, have.  The kingdom is in upheaval, ruled by a tyrant more monster than man. Where once Milo served the crown, he now finds himself fighting against it to save the worlds of the Seven Sisters.

The author did a wonderful job of ‘out-of-this’ world building😉 and character development. My favorites being Mr. Treacle the giant cat, the bird men—Mr. Kaw in particular, and the mechanical men, especially Gideon Pi. AND he tied all the pieces together with a very satisfying ending.

Since there are several characters hopping in out and of the series, as is to be expected with so many worlds, I would recommend starting with the first book in the series THE SHIP.

A well-written, well-told tale by an author who researches ceaselessly.   Recommended for steampunk and sci fi lovers, as well as readers who just want to kick back and enjoy some great escapism. Enjoy.

Available at Amazon 

   

 JANIE’S SECRET by Sherri Hollister

This is the second in the Harrill Family Chronicles and focuses on Janie, one of three Harrill sisters, and Mike McKenzie, the chief of police, who years ago were high school sweethearts that were torn apart. Now, years later they find themselves in the middle of murder and mayhem. Even though Mike wants to pick up where they left off, Janie has a secret she doesn’t dare share and keeps Mike at arm’s length, until she decides to risk her heart…again.

The building suspense keeps the book moving at a fast pace. The characters are well-developed and allow the reader to love or hate them. And the world building is solid.

This can be read as a stand-alone, but I would suggest starting with the first in the series: WILLOW’S RETREAT.

Recommended for those who enjoy a mix of suspense and steam.

Available at Amazon 

 

STORM WARNING by James Byrne

Dez Limerick is a fascinating character. He’s considered a ‘Gatekeeper,’ because there’s no door he can’t open and keep it open as long as necessary. He’s muscled and strong but not particularly tall which in itself makes for an interesting protagonist, as most aren’t usually medium height. He’s got a quirky personality, smart and an interesting way of talking. In this particular story, a research facility in Newfoundland has gone dark and no one can get in or out. The state department needs Dez to get the door open and find out why.

It's a great edge-of-your-chair read and kept me flipping pages.  The ending is unexpected. I can’t say I liked it or didn’t like it.  It was just different.

I need a coin with Dez Limerick on one side and Jack Reacher on the other to flip to see who my favorite is, because I sure can’t decide😊. 

Available at Amazon 

 

AND

 

Did you know, Les Miserables was one of the most read books by American soldiers during the Civil War?